Month: April 2016

HIV prevention and care is more than “Getting to Zero” (new infections) and achieving viral suppression. HIV prevention and care is about creating health equity for all, including Long-term Survivors (LTS). “By health equity, we mean everyone has the opportunity to attain their highest level of health. Inequities are created when barriers prevent individuals and communities from accessing these conditions and reaching their full potential.” (American Public Health Association)

For the purpose of this post, LTS is defined as those of us living with HIV who tested positive for the virus before the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1996. We have experiences unique to long-term HIV survival, including extensive antiretroviral use and long-term side effects. Many aspects of long-term HIV survival are not the same as those faced by others more recently diagnosed with the virus. Many LTS, myself included, have served as our own case manager since embarking upon a journey that continues to bring us into new and uncharted territories.

At a recent meeting of my local Long-term Survivors Support Group (LTSSG), discussion ensued about an increasing need by some members for first-time and/or acute case management and supportive services. Members shared some of their emerging challenges of long-term HIV survival and aging with HIV, which included navigating increased healthcare services, fatigue and barriers to accessing case management. One member had problems getting case management because of being deemed “not vulnerable” at a local AIDS Service Organization (ASO). “Not vulnerable” was defined as being engaged in care, having achieved viral suppression, and in stable housing.

Another concern raised by group members was the current level of knowledge, expertise, and ongoing professional development, if any, that case managers and other providers had in the areas of long-term survivors, our emerging needs and aging across the lifespan, with an emphasis on gerontology. With advances in HIV treatment, more individuals have grown older with the disease. Do ASOs, state health departments and city health agencies really know the needs of this population in our community if they never see or hear from us?

As we move forward, we LTS need to continue to engage one another in discussions that acknowledge each other as pioneers and explorers of not only surviving with HIV/AIDS but also thriving. We need to bring our voices to the priorities and implementation of local, state and federal initiatives. Locally, that includes the Massachusetts State Integrated HIV Prevention and Care Plan, 2017-2021, and the Boston EMA Ryan White Planning Council’s Comprehensive Care Plan, 2016-2019. At a minimum, these strategic plans should include early on a consumer study on the unmet needs of long-term HIV survivors. Today with so much emphasis on Getting-To-Zero (new infections) and achieving viral suppression, many of us long-term survivors feel invisible, unheard and forgotten. Our needs cannot be pushed aside for the next three to four years!

HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day is held annually on June 5th on the anniversary of the first published report of what came to be known as AIDS. 2016 is a big year in the history of HIV/AIDS in the US. Not only does it mark 35 years since the first report of AIDS, it also marks the 20th anniversary of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), turning what was once a death sentence in to a “chronic manageable illness”. To get involved or learn more; visit http://hltsad.org.

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This post was written by BLC intern, Anita Peete. Anita sat down with a long time BLC member, Lisa, to learn her story:

In life we are going to face many obstacles no matter our socioeconomic status, race, gender, or sexual orientation. While we all face obstacles, we know that oppressed groups face far more obstacles than dominant groups due to systematic racism. But even in the face of adversity many people thrive to make their lives better. I had the pleasure of sitting down with a Boston Living Center member who has risen from the depths of despair to living a very optimistic life.

While incarcerated in 1999, Lisa found out she was HIV positive. Upon her release she didn’t receive any information about HIV and didn’t know anything about HIV. She took it as a death sentence and decided to live her life as if she was going to die. After being released from South Bay jail she started getting high again.

It wasn’t until 2001 when she found out she was pregnant with her third child that she decided that it was time to get her life in order. She was admitted to Boston Medical Center for 3 days for medical detoxification. They placed her on methadone and in that time she had her son. Her son was addicted to methadone and Lisa had to watch as he suffered through the detoxification process. . So picture it, a newborn detoxing off of methadone and how hard that must have been for her to witness.

This wasn’t the only challenge that Lisa faced. In 2010, she lost her father and then tragedy arose again in 2015 when her mother passed way. She could have thrown in the towel, but she continued to persevere and push beyond the setbacks. After being incarcerated, losing her children, being addicted to heroin, and losing both parents, Lisa has decided that she is ready “to live and not just exist”.

When I asked Lisa what one word would describe her life, she was a little lost for words, but her first word was “challenging”, followed by “triumph”. Her life is one that was challenging, but in the end she triumphed over all of her circumstances. Lisa seems to have found peace in her past and allows it to motivate her to continue to press toward her goals.

“I would have to say that this is the first time that I am okay with where I am in life. My kids are okay. I am okay. Triumph maybe. I am trying to compare it to where I used to be and it’s amazing. I am optimistic about my future. I haven’t felt like that in a longtime. I am ready to live and not just exist!”

Lisa is currently taking college preparatory classes in preparation to go back to school in September. She is working as a case manager for young adults in the city of Boston. Not only has she worked to get her life in order, but isa is the single mother of 3 and the grandmother of 2 precious grandchildren. She continues to make her life better despite all that she has been through. Lisa is a strong and adored member of the Boston Living Center. I believe I can speak on the behalf of all of the staff and say that we are proud of the progress that Lisa has made over the years!